Paths We Shouldn’ t Take
Isaiah 53:6
Wednesday, March 28th
Years ago, my wife and I got to spend some time in Bako National Park in Malaysia. We got a great rate on our travel because our trip was right at the end of the monsoon season. For the most part, the weather was fine and the trip was lovely. Since we were in such a special place, we opted for a hike and an opportunity to see some truly unique plants and animals.
What we failed to fully grasp, however, was that the previous weeks of rain had left certain hiking paths under water. We also didn’ t realize that some portions of the paths were closed to visitors. Furthermore, the water made it easy to miss a few important forks in the path. Our failures and nature’ s treachery conspired to turn our leisurely stroll into a nine-mile slog.
When I think back on that hike, I tend to make mental excuses that explain why my wife and I should not have been culpable for our missteps. Chief among these is the fact that the closed paths were not marked. I also attempt to outweigh the bad with the good. We did see some amazing sights and make it back safely, after all. In fact, if I’ m honest, when I share the story it’ s much more fun to make my wife and I out to be intrepid explorers rather than bumbling soggy foreigners.
When we find ourselves astray of God’ s will revealed in his word, we often try to rationalize our sins. We like to carve out explanations for why our sins aren’ t really sins. We like to find mistakes in others that make our sins seem insignificant. Sometimes, in fits of perverse thought, we try to justify our behaviors by showing that they achieved some worthy cause. This rationalizing, explaining, comparing, and justifying really gets us nowhere. We have to give up this failed defense and trust our Savior who carried our sins on himself.
In our Scripture for today, Isaiah lays out the universal nature of this problem as well as the singular solution. All have gone astray. No one can defend themselves before the judge. But all sins have been laid on our Savior Jesus. Our own defense is unnecessary. Our true defense is Jesus.
When your feet stray, when your heart is angry, and when your eye is jealous, repent. Know that your God has taken your guilt and placed you back on his path.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, work through the Word to strengthen me. Increase my trust in God and his love. Build in me an unassailable confidence that Jesus speaks in my defense and has secured my salvation. Amen.
Activity: Read Psalm 22. As you look forward to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, consider the things that Jesus did in order to be your perfect defense and your freedom from punishment.
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